Max Lau Documentary Film Screening: Paper Lanterns
A Film by Barry Frechette
Date/Time: November 20, 2024, 4:00 pm~6:00 pm PST
Venue: Irvine Auditorium, Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey
Address: 499 Pierce Street, Monterey, CA, 93940 (link to the map)
About the film:
The film Paper Lanterns is based on the inspiring story of Shigeaki Mori, a Japanese atomic bomb survivor from Hiroshima, who dedicated his life to sharing the stories of Normand Brissette, Ralph Neal, and ten other American prisoners of war (POWs) who were killed by the atomic bombing on August 6, 1945, in Hiroshima. Those Americans were held at the Hiroshima Military Police Headquarters since July 28 that year, when they were shot down during a bomb raid. For decades, many of the families of those 12 Americans were never informed regarding the fates of their loved ones. Mr. Mori has spent several decades researching about, and obtaining official recognition for, those U.S. aviators. Thanks to his tireless efforts, the names of those 12 Americans are now included in the Hiroshima Peace Museum.
Although it is nearly impossible to accurately showcase the tragedy that had happened due to the atomic bombing, the film depicts the efforts that were made to build long- lasting friendships through reconciliation between former enemies. Mr. Mori is displayed in the documentary as not only a Japanese atomic bomb survivor from Hiroshima but also as an individual who keeps hope for a better future alive by embracing people who caused him suffering.
Sponsored by the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS) at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey (MIIS), co-sponsored by the Japan Society of Northern California, and supported by the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco, the event will feature Ms. Nobuko Saito Cleary, the producer of Paper Lanterns, following the screening of the film. CNS’ Founding Director, Dr. William Potter, a foremost advocate for nonproliferation and disarmament education, will also participate in the panel discussion.
This event is part of CNS’ ongoing efforts to promote disarmament and nonproliferation education, especially among younger generations. Thus, this event is also being managed by the Critical Issues Forum, a disarmament and nonproliferation education program for high school students from around the world, including from Japan and the United States. We hope that this event will help participants understand the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of the use of nuclear weapons while also raising awareness of the importance of disarmament and nonproliferation education.
Paper Lanterns Trailer
Panelists Introduction
Ms. Nobuko Saito Cleary:
Nobuko Saito Cleary has dedicated many years of her life to introducing and promoting Japanese culture in the United States, particularly in Northern California, through her involvement with organizations such as the Japan Society of Northern California and the Community School of Music and Arts, Hidden Villa, among many other activities. Nobuko is the president and founder of Cross-Cultural Communications, an international firm established in 1985 that specializes in developing business relationships between the United States and Japan. She has taught Japanese language and business culture for over 10 years at San Jose State University, Berlitz, and many Silicon Valley companies. Her time in the United States has given her the opportunity to become a bridge between two countries. One of her most notable recognitions is being awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays by the Japanese Emperor in 2022. She has been serving as a Chair of the Japan Society of Northern California’s annual fundraising gala for over two decades. Nobuko has produced three films, “Paper Lanterns,” “Challenges,” and “Dr. Bala,” all of which are award-winning documentaries.
Dr. William Potter
Dr. William Potter, Founding Director of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS), and Sam Nunn and Richard Lugar Professor of Nonproliferation Studies at MIIS, launched the first major graduate concentration in nonproliferation studies, which subsequently became the MA in Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. He served as a consultant to the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, the RAND Corporation, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Dr. Potter has served as delegate at every Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and Preparatory Committee meeting since 1995. In addition, he served on numerous committees of the National Academy of Science for five years and was a member of the UN Secretary General’s Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters. He has been instrumental in shaping nonproliferation and disarmament education through a number of novel initiatives, including the use of simulation exercises in pedagogy.
He has authored, co-authored, and edited more than 20 books on wide-ranging subjects, including but not limited to US-Russia arms control issues, multilateral nuclear diplomacy, nuclear nonproliferation, nuclear terrorism, forecasting, and radiological weapons.
For more information, please visit here.
Moderator Introduction
Mr. Jean du Preez
Mr. Jean du Preez has over 35 years of experience in diplomacy, particularly in multilateral arms control and disarmament, covering a range of issues from weapons of mass destruction to small arms and light weapons. He joined CNS in 2002 after a distinguished diplomatic career with South Africa’s foreign service. In 2009, he was recruited by the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) in Vienna as a senior official responsible for external relations and international cooperation, where he played a key role in advancing the Treaty’s entry into force and universalization. He has significantly contributed to training diplomats, other practitioners, and young scholars in nonproliferation-and disarmament-related issues.
For more information, please visit here
Agenda:
Opening remarks by Masako Toki, Senior Project Manager, CNS
Welcome Remarks by Middlebury Leadership
“Paper Lanterns” Film Screening (One hour)
Panel Discussion and Question- and-Answer Session
Closing
Sponsored by:
Co-Sponsored by:
Supported By:
